How to Get Rid of Redness from Acne

One of the most frustrating effects of acne is the redness it causes. At times, the resulting redness can be even more difficult to deal with than the actual acne breakouts. Don’t worry, there are many ways to get rid of redness from acne. Read on!

What Causes Redness from Acne?

The redness associated with acne comes from the increase in local blood circulation caused by the general inflammation of the skin. As hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil, pimples will form on the surface of the skin. As the acne breakouts become more severe, the chances of the irritating redness developing also increase. Because redness of the skin can be caused by a host of other conditions such as rosacea or eczema, it is important to make sure that you are undergoing the right treatment specifically designed for redness caused by acne.

How to Get Rid of Redness From Acne

Similar to other skin conditions, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You will not suffer from acne redness if you do not suffer from acne. So the key is to stop the redness at its roots by combating the acne head-on. The first line of defense is a well-executed skin care regiment that incorporates proper cleansing and exfoliation. Secondly, use a targeted treatment that contains acne fighting ingredients.

Notable Ingredients for Acne Redness

With so many products on the market to choose from, it can be a challenge to choose the best solution for your personal needs. By focusing on a few key ingredients, you can ensure that you are choosing a product that contains proven solutions to fight acne redness. Here are five ingredients to look for when reading the labels:

1. Salicylic Acid

As one of acne’s biggest enemies, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that works to penetrate into the pores of the skin. By removing and loosening skin cells, blackheads and other acne are dissolved. Salicylic acid is considered a keratolytic medication, making it a good choice when looking for optimum exfoliating properties. This ingredient can really dry out the skin, so it is recommended to use it in conjunction with a good moisturizing routine.

2. Niacinamide

Consisting of vitamin B3 and nicotinic acid, this ingredient is used topically to treat acne and its associated redness. As a skin-restoring ingredient, niacinamide reduces blotchiness and red spots in skin that has been affected by acne. Niacinamide also works by reducing pigmentation scarring left in acne’s wake.

3. Vitamin C

As an extremely effective anti-inflammatory, vitamin C is one of the most useful natural ingredients used to treat the redness caused by acne flare-ups. Applied topically, vitamin C can brighten the skin tone and improve the look of the pigmentation around acne scars.

4. Sea Whip Extract

It may seem hokey, but the sea does indeed deliver some healing properties. The ocean environment is rich in naturally-occurring chemical compounds that can help to clear up the skin. Sea whip extract relies on a variety of compounds to form an effective treatment for acne redness through its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

5. Azaleic Acid

Azaleic acid works by eliminating the propionibacteria acne responsible for inflamed breakouts. Additionally it is beneficial in treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, lessening the effects of redness around the acne sites.

Best Products to Get Rid of Acne Redness

Once you have determined the active ingredients needed to deliver the results that you want, you can begin isolating specific products to meet those needs. Here are three proven products to consider to help you get rid of acne redness:

1. Paula’s Choice CALM Redness Relief Repairing Serum

Boasting a unique mixture of skin-replenishing ingredients blended with powerful anti-aging properties, this serum is a miracle cure-all for a variety of skin issues. The sea whip extract in this product delivers the nourishment properties of the ocean straight to your face. Designed to calm angry redness, the relief is both lightweight and hydrating at the same time. This product is designed to be used twice per day after you have cleansed and toned the skin. This nourishing serum is suitable for all skin types.

2. NuFountain C20+Ferulic Vitamin C Serum

Specially formulated for acne, this serum delivers the powerful antioxidant benefits of vitamin C to the face for immediate relief. The topical serum is made fresh after the order is placed, guaranteeing the most powerful delivery available. The hyaluronic acid and panthenol work in tandem to smoothe skin and improve clarity while also minimizing the redness caused by acne breakouts.

3. Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster

Once again, Paula’s Choice has delivered a product capable of serving a variety of skin care needs. The unique combination of azelaic and salicylic acids work together to target a myriad of stubborn skin issues. This booster can be either used alone or mixed with your favorite serum or moisturizer. The lightweight cream-gel mixture is designed to soothe irritation, resulting in clearer skin and less redness.

Professional Treatments for Acne Redness

If the OTC treatments are not delivering the most effective results, it is time to seek out professional solutions. This booming industry provides consumers with a bevy of choices, depending on the severity of the redness and the preferred method of delivery. Here are three of the most recommended treatment options to start with on your journey:

1. Tretinoin

This derivative of vitamin A works by improving the rate of skin cell turnover to unclog pores. Tretinoin belongs to a class of medications known as retinoids. Because tretinoin works on the pimples that form inside of the skin, the effects will take some time to be fully noticed. This cream will also work to prevent the formation of new comedones, further improving the appearance of the skin. Be patient and give the tretinoin at least 8-12 weeks of consistent use before you judge its efficacy. Tretinoin is available in a variety of strengths and forms, making it a versatile drug suitable for many cases of acne redness.

2. Pulsed-dye Laser Treatment

Pulsed-dye lasers target specific parts of the face to combat atrophic acne scarring and its associated redness. As one of the gold standards in the treatment of acne, this laser treatment can penetrate enough to reach even deep scars and severe cases of redness. Many patients see noticeable results after just one treatment, with the most rapid improvement coming within the first four weeks after the procedure. This solution is generally well-tolerated by most patients, making it a good choice for those sufferers who do not like the side effects of chemical treatments.

3. Chemical Peels

Offered at many spas and salons, a chemical peel is an easy and convenient way to treat acne redness. With varying levels of superficial peels, you can choose the solution that will best penetrate your skin. The peels work by quickly exfoliating the skin so that the dead cells shed more rapidly, leaving fresher and brighter skin in its wake. Depending on the product used, you can expect to see salicylic acid or glycolic acid as the primary peeling agent. After the procedure, the skin will look as it if were sunburned but this redness will fade after just a few hours. The best results come from peels that occur every few weeks.

When to See a Dermatologist

Although it can be tempting to try to reduce the redness from acne through a variety of OTC options, it may get to the point that you need to consult the help of a professional. A dermatologist should be seen if the acne redness is so severe that it is affecting your personal life. If nothing else you are trying is working, a trained professional can help you to find a better solution and get you on your way to clear skin.

FAQ

Can you get rid of acne redness overnight?

Unfortunately, there is no magic miracle cure to get rid of acne redness overnight. Properly taking care of your skin is a long-term commitment. Although you can gradually improve your skin each night, you will need to be patient to see long-term results.

Do acne redness creams actually work?

Acne redness creams do work if you are cognizant of using the correct ones. It is important to verify that the creams that you are using contain the proven ingredients mentioned above. Beware of products that do not contain the necessary active ingredients needed to truly make a noticeable difference in your long-term skin care regimen.

How long does it take for acne redness to go away?

Unfortunately there is no exact way to determine when a persons acne redness will go away. If you are actively perusing and treating your acne, it will take roughly four to six weeks to see improvement. Additionally, using a different product every few days can also irritate your skin, causing new breakouts – so be patient.

Can you get rid of acne redness naturally?

Natural remedies for acne are better suited when used as preventative measures. Although the research is still limited at this point, here are few of the most promising natural remedies that are worth a shot.

1. Tea Tree Oil

Already a known deterrent for head lice, tree tea oil is now being heralded as the latest and greatest natural product for fighting the redness effects of acne. In one study, topical tree tea oil has been shown to be an effective treatment for mild cases of acne and its redness.

2. Aloe Vera

The efficacy of aloe vera as a treatment for acne redness has not been as well-researched as other products thus far. Although the research is still limited at this point, some studies have shown that the antibacterial properties of aloe vera might be mildly effective as a topical agent to reduce some of the redness associated with active acne flare-ups.

3. Green Tea

As one of the most common antioxidant molecules, the polyphenols found in green tea may be an effective treatment option for acne redness. Recent studies have demonstrated that green tea polyphenols may be able to reduce sebum production, leading to decreasing amounts of clogged pores and acne occurrences. As an oral supplement, green tea is showing promise in the treatment of acne redness.

How to Get Rid of Redness from Acne: Summary

Acne redness is caused by inflammation of acne

The key to getting rid of the redness is prevention and treatment of regular acne

There are many over the counter products for combating acne redness

Professional treatments should be explored if over the counter products are not working

You cannot completely get rid of acne redness overnight

Acne redness creams work if they contain the right ingredients

It can take 4-6 weeks for acne redness to go away (if using treatment)

There are some ingredients to help get rid of acne redness naturally

About Jake

Jake is a skincare enthusiast who loves to share practical advice on skincare. Plagued by acne in his early teens, he is committed to researching affordable products that actually work.